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Here we are attempting to tackle some of the most common UK Student Visa queries faced by international students living in UK. Read into it and you might find the answer to your student visa related query. After all, we are addressing here the most commonly faced problems of UK based foreign students from all over the world.
Can I change my college in UK? Is it possible to shift from one college to another during my stay in UK? Will I have to apply for a new visa?
Yes, it is possible to change your college in UK but only if you have applied for your visa before 5th October 2009. That means, all the visa applicants before the mentioned date have the facility to shift their college base.
However, if you have applied for your current student visa after 5th October 2009, then in case of changing or shifting your college in UK, you need to apply for a new visa.
NOTE- Only those students who have APPLIED for their student visa before 5th October 2009 qualify for college change in UK. Students who have RECEIVED their student visa are not applicable for changing their UK College under their current visa. They would need to apply for a new visa in case of a college shift.
What do I have to do to change my college in UK in case I applied for a visa before 5th October 2009?
If you have applied for your visa before 5th October 2009 and desire to change your college in UK, then all you need to do is
•Contact through email the UKBA, Home Office and ask their permission for a change of your college in UK.
•Mention your details- your name, course name, name of old institution, name of new institution, number of days to be spent in new institution, your passport number.
What is reduced maintenance for UK student visa?
Reduced maintenance basically refers to a claim to a student gets entitles if he or she stays in UK for a specific period of time.
For detailed information on reduce maintenance for UK visa, you can visit search here: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/pbs/Tier4migrantguidance1.pdf
How long do I need to be in the UK to qualify for reduced maintenance?
In order to qualify for reduced maintenance in UK, you need to fulfil the following requirements
•Must have completed a course of at least six months long within your last period of leave, and this course ended within past four months OR
•Must be applying for continued study of a course where studies of at least six months are present, and have been studying since past four months.
If you fulfil the above mentioned condition then you must be able to show £600 for living expenses for each month of your course up to maximum of 2 months i.e. £1,200. You should also showcase any outstanding course fees.
NOTE- If you don’t fulfil the above mentioned condition, then you will have to show an elevated maintenance level. You must be able to show £600 for living expenses for each month of your course up to maximum of 9 months i.e. £5,400. You should also showcase any outstanding course fees.
What should I do in case I receive a student visa only for a small/half part of my course duration? What are the necessary steps to be followed here?
You can email the particular embassy that you applied to- about the error. You can also ask your college or university in concern to contact the embassy as well regarding the error made. The issue can be resolved this way. And later, you can apply for an extension of your student visa.
NOTE- If your course includes pre-sessional along with conditional progression, then you would be granted visa for the pre-sessional part only. You would need to apply for a new visa after the completion of your pre-sessional for the rest of your course/study programme.
How many hours per week can I work if I am on an English language course of a level 3 course?
If you have submitted and paid for your application before 3rd March 2010 then you are legible for the earlier rule of 20 hour per week work allowance.
But if you have submitted and paid for your application prior to 3rd March 2010 then, it you will be considered against the rules in force at the time for working 20 hour per week.
The changes in effect since 3rd March 2010 allow only 10 hours of work per week for a student coming for a below degree level course [ except for foundation degree students].
Can I bring along my dependant with me during my 6 month duration course in UK?
As per the changes [in effect since 3rd March 2010], if you are studying for a course under Tier 4 for 6 months or less, you will no longer be able to bring your dependants.
Would it be possible for my spouse/dependant to work in UK under the new visa rules after 3rd March 2010?
According to the new visa rules [in effect since 3rd March 2010], dependants of anyone studying a course lower than degree level (excluding those on foundation degree courses) will no longer be able to work (unless they qualify in their own right under Tier 1 (General) as a highly skilled migrant or as a skilled worker under Tier 2 General, sportsperson or minister of religion).
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